https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog.atomLumitory - Journal2018-11-19T08:43:00-07:00Lumitoryhttps://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/the-gratitude-project2018-11-19T08:43:00-07:002018-11-19T08:43:50-07:00The Gratitude ProjectJessica Reinhart
This holiday season, we’ve joined forces to collaborate with our sweet friends at Love Everywhere to bring you the gift of connection and conversation at your dinner table (or wherever you gather with those you love!)

You can sign up to receive this FREE downloadable set of conversation cards thoughtfully designed to ignite gratitude in your heart and help you get in the holiday spirit this year.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/how-you-can-be-a-light2018-10-11T05:42:00-07:002018-10-11T05:42:12-07:00How You Can Be A LightHannah CobleyWhen I was diagnosed with cancer right before my 18th birthday, I had no idea just how drastically my life would change. I was thrown into a new world that I knew absolutely nothing about. During those first 30 days in the hospital, there were times when it was really dark. My mantra was simple: "one day at a time." Sometimes it was more like "one hour at a time."

But, for however dark it got, there was always a light at the end of the tunnel. I had to keep going. It's been seven years since I was diagnosed, and cancer is still very present in my life in more ways than one.

While I was sick, I was so fortunate to have such a strong support system. Family, friends, and strangers rallied around us and showed up in big ways. Meals were delivered, groceries were purchased, cards were sent and even my bedroom got a makeover. There was one night, a few days after I was discharged from the hospital, that I will never forget. We were eating dinner at a friend's house when 25 friends snuck into the backyard and sang the song Lean On Me. That simple act of kindness and support still brings tears to my eyes.

Sadly, not every family has this kind of experience. In fact, it became clear to me that the majority of the families experiencing childhood cancer have little to no support. This is why I decided to start Lighthouse For Hope, a non-profit that strives to fight alongside those experiencing the physical, emotional and financial setbacks caused by pediatric cancer. Lighthouse focuses primarily on low-income families by providing them with assistance for day-to-day necessities. Working with social workers to find families that would most benefit from extra support, Lighthouse provides them with meals, gas cards, clothing, supplies and necessities that insurance doesn't cover.

Lighthouse For Hope isn't just about providing families with gas money. While paying for household expenses is important, we’re passionate about becoming a support system for children and families that otherwise would not have one. We become a light in the dark by advocating and supporting those experiencing the darkness that is childhood cancer.

When Lighthouse is sponsoring a family, the financial support consists of assistance for household expenses (e.g., gas cards, grocery cards, gift cards, etc.). In addition, we supply each family with a box full of supplies and gifts. The box usually includes clothes, paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, soap, blankets, wash cloths, socks, books, toys, diapers and cleaning supplies. Usually each family has a specific need as well. Lighthouse has provided families with tires, beds, strollers, school supplies and even a Christmas tree!

One of the first families we ever helped was just happy they had visitors! It turned out they had never had a visitor before.

Something that I get asked often is, "How can I help someone going through cancer?" My answer is always this: show up. Don't disappear for fear of inconveniencing them. They want to hear from you! If you are worried about saying the wrong thing, that's ok. Just don't stay silent.

Nobody likes asking for help, especially those who actually need it. A good way to help someone going through a difficult time is by saying you are going to do something specific for them and then actually doing it! Instead of asking, "Can I bring you dinner?" say, "I'm bringing you dinner on Tuesday! I'm thinking tacos." Instead of saying, "Let me know if you ever need a ride to chemo!" say, "I can drive you to chemo next week. What time should I pick you up?”

These simple differences in approach can make a huge impact and provide a much needed ray of light in an otherwise dark time. I have found that the best thing we can do for these families is to show up and fight alongside them. We can meet them where they are and be a light in the dark. At Lighthouse, we are determined to let these families know that nobody fights alone.

To find out how you can join the fight and help support the important work Lighthouse for Hope is doing, visit www.lighthouseforhope.org or purchase a Be a Light print from our Shop. 100% of proceeds from sales of this print will be donated to Lighthouse for Hope through November 30, 2018.

About Hannah

Hannah has made it her mission to be a light to others in times of darkness. She is the founder of the non-profit Lighthouse for Hope and a cancer survivor. You can follow along with their important work on Instagram or Facebook @lighthouseforhope.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/3-steps-to-create-your-own-personal-mantra2018-10-04T12:26:00-07:002018-10-04T12:29:28-07:003 Steps To Create Your Own MantraAshley RealeWe all have bad days when we feel particularly down and lonely. I’ve found that the best way to combat these feelings is to get one step ahead of them with a few simple and personalized mantras or affirmations; but writing an affirmation for yourself can be intimidating—especially if you’re in a season of stress, challenges and feel like you have a cloud of depression hanging over you. Below are a few simple steps you can take toward developing your own personal mantra:

Step 1: Write it down. Write down the negative feeling you’re experiencing in your journal or on a piece of paper.

Step 2: Then, cross it out. Just draw a simple line through it, essentially cancelling it out as the total untruth that it is.

Step 3: Now, write a positive truth. Rewrite your first sentence as a positive truth in your life. This is your new mantra!

Write it on sticky notes and place this in multiple locations that you’ll notice throughout each day (this could be your bathroom mirror, inside the cupboard where you keep your favorite coffee mug, at your desk, or wherever it will be in view), and any time you start telling yourself the lie again, return to the truth statement of love and affirmation. Rinse. Repeat. Done!

*Helpful hint: If you’re in a tough spot where you feel blocked completely from the truth of who you are, find a safe and trusted friend and ask them to help you write your truth statement. I’ve done this for many friends in the past and it is an honor to help them! If you don’t feel like you have a safe person to help you develop your truth mantra, please reach out to me on Instagram or by email.

Please know that if you are suffering from depression, you don’t have to go it alone. You are loved and cared for and you are worthy of receiving the help you need. If you need a listening ear, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline any time at 1-800-273-TALK.

About Ashley

Ashley Reale is the Founder and Chief Heart Officer of Love Everywhere, a brand on a mission to sprinkle kindness like confetti all over the world, through hidden notes of encouragement. You can follow along on her journey to #shareloveeverywhere on Instagram @shareloveeverywhere. Ashley lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two children.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/interview-questions-for-aging-loved-ones2018-09-20T07:59:00-07:002018-09-20T08:00:36-07:00Questions for Aging Loved OnesJessica ReinhartKatie Cheeseman knows a thing or two about having great conversations. In fact, you could even say she’s made it part of her mission in life. As the founder of The Listening Ear Project she documents conversations with the elderly, focusing on capturing stories and lessons they have to share.

With a background in nursing, Katie has focused much of her career on working with the geriatric community in home health. Early on, it didn’t take long for her to notice that when she took the time to stop and listen to her patients' tell stories about their lives, their demeanor would change completely. In fact, it made a huge impact—both on them and on her. Katie quickly realized that loneliness is one of the most common things our elderly friends experience as they age.

With her professional experience as her inspiration, Katie took it upon herself to seek out people who didn’t have anyone to talk with . . . people who simply need a listening ear. She believes it’s important to document these stories before they’re gone forever and also that it’s a meaningful way to serve those around us.

One of Katie's favorite things to do is encourage others to interview their loved ones while they have the chance, “I am constantly blown away by how resilient the human spirit is. Every single person I have interviewed has been through something extremely difficult. Whether it's losing a child, going without food and clothing, being trapped in an abusive relationship or experiencing the horrors of war. It is amazing how much I have learned from their experiences. Despite their trials, they choose to be positive—and that is really inspiring.”

So, here is our challenge to you: Think of a loved one who you can take the time to interview. To help you get started, Katie is sharing some of her favorite interview questions. Her biggest tip? Start by asking questions they’ll be able to answer with ease—this will help you both get comfortable with the process. Then, ease into more thought-provoking questions. Here are some options she recommends:

What is your name and age?

Where and when were you born?

What was your childhood like? What did you do for fun as a child?

What was your favorite birthday or Christmas present?

What were your parents like?

Did you experience any major historical events firsthand? What was that like?

How did you meet your spouse? What makes a successful marriage?

Did you have children? What was your favorite part of mother/fatherhood?

What was your profession?

What is one of the hardest things you have had to face? How did you get through that experience and what did you learn from it?

What is something that brings you joy?

What is the coolest thing that has been invented in your lifetime?

What is one of your greatest accomplishments?

If you could give advice to younger generations, what would it be?

We hope this inspires you to take time to be a listening ear. If you’re thinking about interviewing an elderly friend or family member, please be sure to check out Katie’s tips on how to ensure the interview goes smoothly here.

About Katie

If you want to see cute old people and hear rad stories, follow along with Katie’s work on Instagram @thelisteningearproject or at thelisteningearproject.com.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/how-to-capture-the-wisdom-of-the-elderly2018-09-20T07:48:00-07:002018-09-20T08:03:56-07:00How to Capture Elderly WisdomJessica ReinhartMy dad was known for being a great storyteller. He had a quick wit, a wry sense of humor and plenty of rad real life experiences to draw from. He grew up in Southern California during Hollywood's heyday, and carved out a pretty interesting career for himself as a tour manager for a number of rock icons, including The Doors, Deep Purple and Ringo Starr of the Beatles, to name a few. He had a zest for life and traveled the world many times over, collecting memories and experiences as he went. His passport was his most treasured possession in life—filled to the brim with stamps from far off and exotic places around the globe. He had a real knack for telling engaging stories about the people and places he experienced that would rival those found in any history book or biography.

I remember so clearly the day we visited his doctor and got the news. Stage 4 lung cancer. Terminal. Six months to a year. When you receive a diagnosis like that, it's difficult to put into words the way it changes your perspective of life—both of what a gift it is and how fragile it can be.

One of the first things I remember thinking after my dad’s diagnosis was that I wanted to find a way to capture his stories. I decided to put together an interview of sorts, and ask him questions about his life and experiences. I’m grateful to have had the chance to have that conversation with him before he passed. Because of it, I learned things about him that I never knew and was also able to capture details of his life that otherwise might have escaped me.

About a year ago I stumbled on The Listening Ear Project. This amazing platform was founded by Katie Cheeseman and is devoted to capturing wisdom and stories from the elderly. Drawing from my own experience, I felt an immediate connection to the work Katie is doing. I asked her to share why she thinks it’s important to interview aging relatives.

She said, “We have so much to learn from them. These people have lived such full, rich and even difficult lives, but with that comes knowledge, experience and wisdom. A few years from now, we won't have any firsthand stories from those who experienced The Great Depression or WWII. We need to take advantage of our time with them and learn/document as much as we can, while we have the chance.” I couldn’t agree more.

The beauty of taking the time to interview our elderly family and friends is that we can learn lessons and gain a new perspective from their experience. In addition, these conversations serve as a legacy for them to leave behind and a treasured time capsule of sorts for generations to come.

If you’re thinking right now about people in your life who you could sit down and interview, I want to encourage you to take the next step and do it. All you need is a device to record either video or sound (your smartphone will work perfectly), a list of questions to ask and a listening ear.

To help you get started, Katie shared a few of her best tips to ensure your interview goes smoothly:

Tip #1: Keep it casual. When you approach them about the interview, make it casual so you don't overwhelm them. Katie suggests not even using the word "interview." Instead, say something like, "I just want to ask you some questions about your life to document our family history”. That will be a lot less overwhelming for them and help ensure you get a "yes."

Tip #2: Ease into it. Start off with basic questions (where were you born? what was your childhood like?) and eventually dive into more personal questions (what is something difficult that you went through?) It usually takes a bit for them to open up and feel comfortable answering vulnerable questions. We have a list of specific questions you can ask here.

Tip #3: Go with the flow. Don't stress about getting to every question on your list. Instead, focus on having a thoughtful conversation. Katie says she’s found that those are the ones that usually yield the best results.

Tip #4: Don’t be nervous or intimidated. Oftentimes this generation is lonely, and will be thrilled to have someone who will sit and listen to them. So don’t put too much pressure on yourself . . . just talk to them as a friend.

Life is an incredible teacher and there is so much we can learn from one another. Each and every one of us has a unique story to offer the world, with invaluable lessons and insight to share. Take time to think about the people in your life who have inspired you and find ways to capture their stories. Our hope is that with the help of these tips you’ll be well on your way.

Have a question about tips on interviewing the elderly or have experience doing it yourself? We’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below so we can all learn from one another.

About Katie

If you want to see cute old people and hear rad stories, follow along with Katie’s work on Instagram @thelisteningearproject or at thelisteningearproject.com.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/the-key-to-lasting-friendship2018-08-29T12:38:00-07:002018-08-29T12:41:40-07:00The Key to Lasting FriendshipsBailey Hurley
I have always been nervous around the deep end of a swimming pool. Probably because I watched Jaws at way too young of an age and also because I was never aquatically-inclined. My friends, on the other hand, were typically braver in the pool. They never hesitated to leap off the diving board and challenged one another to see who could tread water for the longest amount of time (did these girls not know that treading water for long periods of time is exactly what the sharks are looking for?!). I remember wondering, "Why can’t I dive like that? Why don’t I have more courage? And why do they look better in a bathing suit than I do?"

But, the truth was they weren’t 'better' than me, they had just spent more time in the deep end of the pool.

The lie that there must be something wrong with me because I’m afraid of the deep end of the pool is the same kind of lie that surfaces when it comes to finding our way to the deep end of our friendships. We see others wading into the deep waters of friendship and wonder why we have been left in the shallow end with our floaties still on. We assume that they must have some special extrovert gene that enables them to be more conversational, outgoing and comfortable making new friends. And not just making new friends, but turning those acquaintances into best friends five minutes after they met them.

I am writing to tell you, that just isn’t true. No one makes an instant best friend because true friendship takes time.

In March 2018, the University of Kansas did a study on how many hours it takes for someone to make a friend. They found that it takes around 50 hours of socializing to go from acquaintance to friend, an additional 40 hours to become a quality friend and a total of 200 hours to become a best friend.1

The consensus? Lasting friendships don’t happen overnight. Like most worthwhile things, they take time to cultivate.

So, what does this mean for us? We need to stop worrying about how that woman over there seems to charm everyone she meets and understand that it will take her just as much time to make a new friend as it will for you. There’s no secret, aside from time spent investing in friendships. Now the question becomes less about what's wrong with me and more about how am I spending my time?

I still don’t care much for swimming. I will never feel confident on the diving board because I don’t spend time getting comfortable with the water. In the same way, if we don’t make time to pursue friendships, then we will never go deep. We will never get comfortable with having real conversations that take a friendship from acquaintance to quality friend. We will never learn how to prioritize our time to see a friend on a regular basis. We will never sacrifice what’s easiest for us to serve a friend’s need.

You see, friendship needs cultivating. If we really want close friendships in our lives, then we need to change our habits to make time for our friends.

A friend of mine always says, “Friend time is the best time,” and even though I know it’s true, it always makes me want to roll my eyes at how corny and trite it is. But now I think friend time may be the best time because it allows meaningful communities and real connections to flourish.

About Bailey

Bailey T. Hurley is a community-builder, who encourages women to root themselves in their faith so they can grow fruitful fellowship. Learn more about Bailey at baileythurley.com.

1 Hall, “How Many Hours Does It Take to Make a Friend?” (Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, March 2018)

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/the-thing-that-connects-us-all2018-07-25T06:14:00-07:002018-07-25T14:13:59-07:00The Thing That Connects Us AllTori SchaulisThe table acts as an equalizer, inviting us to come with our needs and promising to nourish our bodies in some way. It’s a place for people from all backgrounds, races, economic statuses, and ages to come together and be fed. We bond because of our mutual need and satisfaction regardless of what we do or look like on the outside.

When I was growing up, I asked my parents to host the most bizarre birthday parties. My mom got super into it—in fact, once she transformed our entire first floor into an ocean with construction paper on the walls and fish hanging from the ceiling! As I got older, my parties migrated toward the dinner table. One year, I asked my dad to create a traditional Japanese meal using an open-faced grill and another I asked my mom to make Egyptian food for a dinner party featuring my dad decked out in a pharaoh costume. Culture has always been fascinating to me and it always seemed to make sense around the table.

There’s something about sharing a meal together, side by side, that bonds people together—confirming our mutual humanity and desire to belong. To be honest, in the last year I’ve become intimately acquainted with my own humanity, understanding I am a broken being with many needs. It was my need that prompted me seek out a space within the context of community, where I could come as I was and simply be. You know what I found? Needs are something we can all relate to. Needs are a part of being human.

As it turns out, our most basic human needs do not differ much across cultures, races, economic backgrounds, locations or values. Needs bring us together as we accept our finiteness and fragility. There is also something unifying about expressing them honestly. It reminds us to share in our humanity, to understand the equality these needs create.

Several months ago, I started hosting casual dinner gatherings (sans bizarre party themes) and looked for ways to bring people together to talk about race and culture, something our country has both historically and recently found itself so divided over. Many of us have become painfully aware of the decades of woundedness this divide has caused and there is no clear solution. Yet, in my opinion, the divide will only grow if we do not learn to step into the space of humility, repentance, understanding and, ultimately, our humanity.

What if the table became a place for the conversation to begin? The table acts as an equalizer, inviting us to come with our needs and promising to nourish our bodies in some way. It’s a place for people from all backgrounds, races, economic statuses, and ages to come together and be fed. We bond because of our mutual need and satisfaction, regardless of what we do or look like on the outside.

Perhaps my tween self was on to something as I dragged my parents and friends into celebrating different cultures around a table with me. Maybe the table created a safety for these cultures to be expressed. Maybe the table made them accessible. It created an opportunity for needs to be satisfied, conversation to be had and experiences shared. The table served as a gentle reminder of our solidarity and shared humanity with the cultures we celebrated.

What does the table mean to you?And who can you invite to share in your need? Let’s begin by recognizing our deep connection to one another and positioning ourselves to be fed side by side. May our shared humanity guide us as we seek to cross divides in our communities, and may the table become a safe and equal playing field, even if for just a night. Can I invite you to join me in building bridges across the table?

About Tori

Tori is currently studying Race, Culture and Reconciliation at Fuller Seminary, and recently published a powerful work guide on building bridges and unconscious bias. Certified by the Cultural Intelligence Center, Tori hosts events on the topic of race and culture and offers coaching services as well. You can find her coffee shop hopping on the weekends, trying to read more than five books simultaneously or half-following a new recipe in the kitchen. Join her at torischaulis.com or on Instagram @tori_schaulis.

Over the last five years, we’ve hosted countless people in our home. The summer months are always the busiest and, on any given week, it’s common to find anywhere between two and seven families staying with us. It’s a whole lot of fun and, in so many ways, it’s the fulfillment of what we envisioned in the very beginning. During that time, we’ve learned a whole heck of a lot about what lies at the heart of true hospitality. At the end of the day, we’ve found that it comes down to a few important things . . .

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A few years ago, my husband and I did something kind of crazy. We bought a lake house—and while that simple act might not be enough to deem us nutso, what we planned to do with it was. The house is way bigger than we need for our family of five but, when we walked through it for the very first time, we knew we were supposed to buy it. I’m not sure how exactly to explain it, aside from telling you that we both had the very strong feeling that not only were we supposed to buy the house, but we were also to use it as a space to invite others to come for a place of rest. I’ll never forget swapping stories with him later that night—we both found ourselves envisioning hosting large groups there and making it a true place of respite from our busy world.

Fast forward a few years later and I’m so grateful we trusted those initial promptings. Over the last five years, we’ve hosted countless people in our home. The summer months are always the busiest and, on any given week, it’s common to find anywhere between two and seven families staying with us. It’s a whole lot of fun and, in so many ways, it’s the fulfillment of what we envisioned in the very beginning.

During that time, we’ve learned a whole heck of a lot about what lies at the heart of true hospitality. At the end of the day, we’ve found that it comes down to a few important things:

Hospitality is about inviting people in, just as they are. It’s about providing a safe place to land, where all feel welcomed and loved.

It’s about being thoughtful. The simple act of offering a drink or a snack when guests arrive helps them feel like they are truly welcome.

It's about working as a team. An important part of togetherness is doing things together. If something needs to get done, allow guests to help. This allows everyone to feel like they’re part of the process, rather than simply an onlooker.

It’s about stepping into a rhythm. Once you begin hosting more and more, you learn what works. We have go-to drinks and food that are on a regular rotation, not because we love repetition, but because they’re familiar crowd pleasers and don’t add unnecessary stress. Finding your own rhythm is good and will help you to feel at ease.

It’s about helping others feel at home. In our house, everything is fair game and we make sure our guests know it. Hungry? Take a look in the pantry or fridge. Thirsty? Grab a drink. Need something? It’s yours. The more we extend kindness and encourage others to feel at home in our spaces, the more they’ll keep coming back.

Too often we believe the myth that in order to host someone in our home, every detail needs to be perfect. But when you have a house filled to the brim, you quickly learn that you either have to sacrifice the dream of perfectionism or your sanity. Don’t let that get in the way of inviting people in.

The world needs more spaces where others feel truly welcome, just as they are. Let your home be a place of refuge—you may just find that your life is immeasurably richer because of it. So go ahead and consider this your invitation to make room for others. In your home, in your life and in your heart.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/3-tips-for-an-epic-summer-adventure2018-06-18T06:07:00-07:002018-06-18T06:07:26-07:003 Tips for an Epic Summer AdventureJessica Reinhart
Adventure comes in many different forms. Whether it's a hike through the woods, a climb to the summit, a white water rafting excursion or an epic camping trip, nothing can help connect you to the land and to others quite like taking a trip into the great outdoors. This summer, take time to go on a trip with family or friends and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Here in the United States, we’re fortunate to have a treasure trove of adventure worthy destinations in our National Parks. If you’re feeling a sense of wanderlust, they’re perfect places to start exploring—and if you’re the parent of a fourth grader you’ll be happy to know that that kiddo of yours will also earn your family free passes,* thanks to the Every Kid in a Park program!

Once you’ve determined which National Park you’re heading to, the next step is to develop an itinerary for your trip. There is no one-size-fits-all adventure plan, so depending on the age of your group, agility and number of people, your agenda may vary. But rest assured, you can create an epic experience that everyone will remember fondly for years to come. To help inspire your creativity, we’ve compiled 3 trusty tips that will help kick your adventure into high gear:

Lend a hand. The National Parks are treasures that need to be cared for in order to be enjoyed by generations to come. Why not kick off your trip by volunteering in one? Service opportunities range from weeding out invasive plants to archaeological explorations, and everything in between. Head to volunteer.gov to find specific opportunities in a park near you!

Do as the locals do. To truly experience a new place, the key is to bypass touristy stops and search instead for the places frequented by the natives. There you'll find true local flavor and begin to see things from a different point of view. Talk to people, find out about local lore and ask about their favorite go-to spots. You never know, you may just find an untapped treasure.

Do something epic. Nothing rounds out an epic adventure better than an epic experience. Whether it's shooting the rapids on a rafting trip, going rock climbing, learning to fly fish or taking a hot air balloon ride, you'll remember your trip for a lifetime if you incorporate something that's normally out of your element.

Hope these ideas helps you plan an incredible summer vacation!

Do you have a favorite National Park? Drop us a note in the comments below.

*Every Kid in a Park pass valid through August 31, 2018

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/how-to-be-a-listening-ear2018-05-28T12:56:00-07:002018-07-25T14:15:52-07:00How to Be a Listening EarJessica Reinhart
Katie Cheesman has always had a heart for the elderly. As an adult, she’s worked with this special population in her nursing career, and has seen firsthand just how vital they are to our society and how much we can learn from their life experiences and wisdom.

She’s witnessed that many of these sweet individuals just want someone to sit and talk with, but that need is often overlooked due to busy schedules. “I can provide all of the medication and treatments in the world, but what they really want is someone to listen,” explains Katie.

That realization sparked an idea for what she refers to as her calling. Katie’s mission is to be a listening ear for the elderly. She wants to help share their incredible stories with others and to remind the world just how special they are. To make good on this, she spends countless hours meeting with and interviewing seniors. “In a society where they are often forgotten, I want to let them know that they matter, that they have a voice and that their words are valuable.”

If you’re like us, this may just be the moment where you’re thinking about a loved one or neighbor who fits into this category. So here’s our challenge to you: find an elderly grandparent, neighbor or friend and pay them a visit. By lending a listening ear, you may just be surprised to find out that you are both impacted for the better.

Here are a few of Katie’s favorite things to do with elderly friends:

Find out what their hobby is and do it with them.

Bake them a treat.

Ask them what their favorite film was from childhood and surprise them with a movie night.

Offer to do yard work or help with odd jobs.

Go on a walk with them, if they are able to.

Visit with them and ask questions about their life.

Ask if they need any help around the house.

Offer to help with transportation if they are home bound.

Invite them over for—everyone loves a good home-cooked meal!

Bring them a plant that they can care for.

If you have a special talent, share it with them! For example: Hairdressing, music, organizing, etc.

Have other ideas for fun and unique ways to spend time with the elderly? We’d love to hear them! Drop us a note in the comments below.

About Katie

If you want to see cute old people and hear rad stories, follow along with Katie’s work on Instagram @thelisteningearproject or at thelisteningearproject.com.

Spring and summer are a great time to get outside. It’s also a perfect opportunity to set out to get to create a stronger sense of community, connection and friendship with those who live right around you. This month in the journal, we’re focused on getting out and meeting your neighbors. Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or you’ve just recently relocated, here’s our challenge: meet your neighbors! We’ve created a handy printable to help you track your progress.

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Spring and summer are a great time to get outside. Green abounds, flowers blossom and colorful sunsets mark the close of days well spent. It’s also a perfect opportunity to create a stronger sense of community, connection and friendship with those who live around you.

This month in the Journal, we’re focused on getting out and meeting your neighbors. Whether you’ve lived in your home for years or recently relocated, now is a perfect time to get to know the folks who dwell alongside you.

Here’s our challenge to you: get out and meet your neighbors! We’ve created a handy printable to help you track your progress. Simply fill in the names of any neighbors you know already and set a goal to connect with the rest. Download your copy here.

While this challenge may seem daunting to some, we’re firm believers that the secret lies in simply showing up and making yourself available. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ideas for making easy introductions (or reintroductions) that your neighbors will welcome.

Pick a lovely bunch. The warm weather months bring an abundance of beautiful blooms. If your garden is overflowing with flowers, why not snip a few blossoms and share your bounty with a neighbor? For an easy and impressive presentation, place freshly cut flowers in a glass Mason Jar. Tie a ribbon around the mouth of the jar and deliver your bouquet with joy.

Pass the neighborhood plate.Cookies are an easy way to anyone’s heart and a welcome gift when it comes to neighboring—what’s even cooler is this Neighborhood Giving Plate. Designed to be passed from house to house, this is a gift that will keep giving and connecting neighbors for years to come. Whip up a batch of your favorite treats, pile them high and deliver with a smile! And for a chocolate chip cookie that’s sure to please a crowd, check out this recipe from Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering.

Catch a flick together. Host a backyard movie night and watch your favorite flick under the stars. Set the mood by hanging twinkly lights; putting out a mix of blankets, pillows and chairs; and hanging a large white sheet or a projector screen. We opted for this inexpensive outdoor movie screen.

Spread kindness.Chores can mount up during the waning days of winter: leaf pickup, mowing and cleaning out flower beds. If you have a neighbor who's single or elderly, those spring cleaning jobs are likely to come with a sense of stress. Why not offer to pitch in? Or better yet, just get to work and surprise them with the finished product!

Gather around the table. Taking time to break bread together is always a good idea but we recently came across something that we think is downright genius. The Turquoise Table was originally dreamed up by Kristin Schell and the premise behind it is simple: get a picnic table, paint it turquoise, put it in your front yard, and offer an open invite to friends and neighbors to come and sit. Bonus points for making a regular habit out of hanging there with cool drinks and treats. To help get things started, invite neighbors to a casual potluck around the table. Once there, extend an open invite to return any time. You may create some of your most cherished memories around that table, so go for it!

Have other ideas for easy ways to get to know your neighbors better? We’d love to hear them! Comment below and let us know.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/3-ways-know-neighbors-better2018-03-05T17:27:00-07:002018-07-25T14:16:17-07:003 Ways to Know Neighbors BetterBailey HurleyOur neighbors are our community by proximity, and they matter just as much as our family and friends that live miles away. After a year, with trial and error, we have come to know our neighbors well. Today I’m sharing three things that worked for us, with the hope that you can implement them with your neighbors to move from the awkward wave at the mailbox to a semi-awkward hug on your front porch.

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We moved into our new home a year ago and, despite our transient Denver culture, we planned to stay a long time in our new neighborhood. The first week we moved in, we began “pursuing” our neighbors. Yes, that’s right! We began to intentionally plan ways we could get to know them, serve them and befriend them.

Our neighbors are our community by proximity, and they matter just as much as our family and friends that live miles away. After a year, with trial and error, we have come to know our neighbors well. Today I’m sharing three things that worked for us, with the hope that you can implement them with your neighbors to move from the awkward wave at the mailbox to a semi-awkward hug on your front porch. : )

Offer help for unspoken needs . Listen for those unspoken needs and find small ways to meet those needs. When you catch up with a neighbor and they mention leaving town, offer to pick up their mail while they're gone. If you hear that they have been really swamped with work, offer to watch their kids for an hour so they can go on a date night. For instance, our neighbor has recently been playing nurse to a friend of hers and I knew she must be exhausted caring for him. So, we made her some warm chili and cornbread (which we learned later was her favorite food) and brought it over. We didn’t ask if she needed anything because we knew she would say no. Instead, we listened for a way to love her without any strings attached.

Coffee! Coffee! Coffee! Anyone else have a full schedule? Us too! So, the best time for us to invite folks over is in the early morning for coffee and donuts. You’d be surprised how chatty people are in the morning and they are usually available. Having folks in our home, especially with kids, makes everyone relax and open up. It also gives us a chance to really know one another outside of a 5-minute conversation on the sidewalk. Don't be scared if they say no the first few times. Keep asking! And don’t forget to mention, "WE HAVE COFFEE AND DONUTS!"

Drop little notes . Remember the little things. When neighbors announce good news, birthdays, upcoming graduations, new jobs or even not-so-great news, write a note and leave it on their door. Our neighbor's dog passed away, so we left her some candy and a sympathy card. She had been a bit closed off since we moved in and, that day, she came over and gave me a hug and cried into my shoulder. She just wanted to grieve with someone. I knew our neighbor-relationship would forever be changed . . . for the better. Even if you aren’t having face-to-face time on a regular basis, it’s nice to let your neighbors know that you are thinking of them and acknowledge the life that’s happening just a few feet away from you.

I can’t tell you enough how important it is to feel known in your little corner of the world. Serving neighbors and knowing them may not always be convenient, but it’s worth the effort when you create real relationships right next door.

About Bailey

Bailey T. Hurley is a community-builder, who encourages women to root themselves in their faith so they can grow fruitful fellowship. Learn more about Bailey at baileythurley.com.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/how-to-host-a-stress-free-supper-club2018-02-16T11:39:00-07:002018-07-25T14:24:42-07:005 Tips for Starting a Supper ClubJessica ReinhartThe start of fall is an exciting time in our house—not just because it marks the start of pumpkin-flavored everything—but because it’s also the unofficial start of gathering season. It's the time of year when most of the world starts to retreat inside and we start planning for some serious quality time with our people.

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When a friend of ours first brought up the idea of starting a Supper Club, I was cautiously optimistic. Something about agreeing to a monthly gathering, and hosting a large-ish group of people seemed a bit daunting. What would we make? Would getting our house ready to host that many people be overwhelming? Would it be just one more commitment on an already overloaded schedule? But digging in deeper with sweet friends, breaking bread, and enjoying time with each other sounded too good to pass up, so we agreed. And boy, oh boy, am I ever grateful that we did.

Each month, we meet up with the same group to enjoy a meal, catch up on life and make new memories together. For us, it’s a fail-safe because we know that no matter how hectic the weeks get between work and school activities, we can always count on this recurring event to keep us connected to our friends in a meaningful way. Starting a Supper Club of your own is a great way to go deeper in your relationships with family, friends and neighbors. Although it might seem daunting, it doesn't need to be. We've pulled together five tips for starting a Supper Club:

Create your guest list. Start by thinking of people you'd like to spend more time with. You might consider inviting long time friends that you'd love to gather with more often, or people you would like to get to know better.

Decide how often you'll gather.A Supper Club is a great way to be intentional about cultivating strong relationships because you'll get together on a regular basis (typically every other week, or once a month).Think about how often you'd like to break bread together, and what would work best for others in your group.

Set a date.Select a day that works well and offers time for everyone to relax and unwind. You may find that meeting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday offers a more laid back vibe for your group.

Take turns. Our Supper Club consists of six couples and we break bread together once a month. It's something we all look forward to, but to avoid the potential for burnout we take turns hosting. Alternately, you could also host at one person’s house, and have each guest come with a different dish, potluck style.

Keep it consistent.As much as possible, try to keep the plan consistent - gather on the same day, at the same time and with the same guests. This will help ensure your Supper Club stays on track, and enable you to strengthen relationships while you create valuable memories in the process.

Supper Clubs are a lot of fun, and a great way to create a strong sense of community in your life. They're a perfect excuse to bring people together, share a table, enjoy food, drinks, and each other's company. If you're like me, you may find that doing something different, even if it falls just a bit outside of your comfort zone, ends up being one of your very favorite things.

We've pulled together all the basic essentials you'll need to get started in the Supper Club Gathering Box, available in our store. Get yours today and start building community tomorrow.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/3-secrets-to-making-friends-as-a-couple2018-02-12T22:00:00-07:002018-07-25T14:24:04-07:00Finding Friends as a CoupleJessica ReinhartI don’t know where you find yourself in life . . . maybe you're like us and you’ve recently moved to a new area, or maybe you’re just starting out as a couple or may you just find yourself looking for more people you can do life together with. No matter your situation, I want to share a few things that worked for us. And I have good news: it isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think.

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Three kids, a whole lot of faith, a mountain of lessons learned “the hard way” and each other. When you get right down to it, these are just a few of the things that define us as a couple. We're each others best friends and biggest cheerleaders, but one of the most important things my husband and I have learned together is how to find other friends that we can do life together with. Having friends who we both can claim as ours, together, has been one of the biggest blessings of our marriage.

We’ve been together since college and we’re fortunate to have a great group of people in our lives who we’ve come to think of as family. But a few years ago, we moved clear across the country and were forced to really dig into the fine art of making friends all over again. I’m not going to sugar coat it—it was a bit daunting at first. But, little by little, we met people we really clicked with, and through those experiences we also learned valuable lessons about how to create new friendships, together.

I don’t know where you find yourself in life . . . maybe you're like us and you’ve recently moved to a new area, or maybe you’re just starting out as a couple, or maybe you just find yourself looking for more people you can do life together with. No matter your situation, I want to share a few things that worked for us. And I have good news: it isn’t nearly as difficult as you may think.

Here are 3 things that worked for us:

Date nights. Sure, we love going on dates just the two of us, but doing double dates with friends? It’s like the icing on the cake! A night out on the town tends to bring out the best in everyone, and this is a great thing to do no matter if you’ve known the other couple for a long time or if you want to get to know each other better. Granted, depending on the season we’re in, we don’t always have time to do this regularly (ahem, Mr. Reinhart we really need to step up our game here!!), but uninterrupted adult time with other couples can be really fun. If you have kiddos at home, try to set up a regularly scheduled babysitter and make it your goal to invite another couple along next time you venture out.

Play dates. If you’re like us and you have small kiddos, this is a great way to get together without the need to nab a sitter. We like to do a standing park date with other friends who also have kids. We meet up at a local park and then each of us takes turns getting pizza, so we can feed the crew and spend some quality time together. The kids get to play and the adults get to talk—it’s a true win-win situation!

Group get-togethers. This can be a fun way to broaden your circle. Begin by choosing your focus: maybe you want to host a small group, start a supper club or just share quality time with neighbors on the front porch. No matter which you choose, the idea is to begin by inviting the couples you’ve already connected with, and then ask them to invite other couples to join in on the fun.

Over the years, we’ve used a combination of all these things but, no matter which method you choose, we’ve found that consistency is key. Try to incorporate one or more of these things into your calendar and you’ll start to see your circle grow in no time.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/5-ways-to-spread-love-in-your-community2018-02-05T20:40:00-07:002018-07-25T14:14:54-07:005 Ways to Spread LoveAshley RealeWhat if we intentionally sought out the people society usually ignores and helped brighten their day with a little extra kindness? My name is Ashley, and I’m here to give you a few ideas on doing just that for this Valentine’s Day (and hopefully every day of the year!).

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Celebrating Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be just for people in romantic relationships. What if we made Valentine’s Day a day to spread love to everyone we interacted with—What if we intentionally sought out the people society usually ignores and helped brighten their day with a little extra kindness? My name is Ashley, and I’m here to give you a few ideas on doing just that for this Valentine’s Day (and hopefully every day of the year!).

1. Start with yourself. We’ve all heard it before, “Self care is not selfish,” but it is SO true. We cannot authentically care for others if we are not first caring for ourselves. It’s like they say on airplane safety instructions: put your oxygen mask on first before trying to help your neighbor. You’re a much more effective helper when you have the ability to breathe!

Try this:Take a donut break. No really, go get yourself a donut and eat it guilt free. Give yourself extra time each day to do something you love or enjoy. Even something as simple as taking 10 minutes to step outside for some fresh air and a walk around the block (to buy yourself a donut) can vastly improve your mood and free you up to love others with intention.

2. Write an anonymous note of encouragement for a stranger. This one is my favorite ways to spread love. I do this on a regular basis with my small business, Love Everywhere. What began as a personal passion to share kindness and encouragement with others has birthed an entire community of golden hearts that are intentional about sharing love through handwritten words of encouragement. Together, we have distributed over 18,000 kind notes! Being kind in this way doesn’t take very much time, and requires very little money—all you really need is a piece of paper and a pen—and yet the impact it has carries infinite possibilities for the lucky person who discovers it. A message as simple as “you are loved” can lift someone’s spirits after a tough day, and let them know they are not alone.

The beauty of having our community behind us is that we can keep track of the cards that are being written and discovered. We’ve had cards in locations as distant as the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China, as well as in cities all over the United States. If you’d like to join our social experiment in sharing Love Everywhere, please visit our website or Instagram, we’d love to be friends!

3. Look for the good in someone and speak it out to them. Fellow Nashvillian Ruthie Lindsey says it best, “If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.”

Complimenting someone’s eyes, hair or outfit is the easiest way to vocalize kindness, but what if we took it a bit deeper and pointed out their stellar kind heart or how rad it was that they helped a friend out during a difficult time. Complimenting someone’s actions versus how they look speaks to who they are and goes deeper than the typical, “You look nice today,” superficial compliment (even though we still need to hear those, too!!).

4. Give your parking spot to someone else or let someone ahead of you in line at the grocery store. We’ve all been there: in a hurry trying to run errands and trying to find that prime parking spot or the shortest line to get us out the door.

What would it look like to wait an extra three minutes at checkout to let that busy mom with three kids ahead of you in line? Or to walk a few extra feet so that elderly man can have the closer parking spot? These are simple ways to make a positive impact on your local community that really do make a difference.

5. Say thank you. To your friends. To your family. To your local coffee shop barista. Your hair dresser. Your mailman. To the janitor at your local fitness center. Find people doing jobs that are usually ignored, and tell them thank you for the work that they do and the way it makes your life better. They will never forget it, and you will find that it feels so good to fill your gratitude tank up that you’ll start seeking out ways to be grateful in every last part of your day.

About AshleyAshley Reale is the Founder and Chief Heart Officer of Love Everywhere, a brand on a mission to sprinkle kindness like confetti all over the world, through hidden notes of encouragement. You can follow along on her journey to #shareloveeverywhere on Instagram @shareloveeverywhere. Ashley lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband and two children.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/surround-yourself-with-positive-people2018-01-29T09:00:00-07:002018-07-25T14:19:43-07:00The Gift of Positive PeopleKate KeytIn their most honest form, relationships are reciprocal, symbiotic, well-intentioned, and full of love and light. When we are around people who are good, they strive to push us to become better. When we are around people who are positive, we feel the infectious nature of their energy. Light produces light. Love fosters love. Kindness inspires kindness.

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When it comes to self-care, we work out, try to eat well and get a good night’s sleep. We do our part in society, trying our best to be a good parent, spouse, partner, co-worker, neighbor, friend. We make certain choices that we know will be beneficial to the well-being of our life.

Just as important as the things I’ve listed above, are the people we choose to surround ourselves with. There is a proverb that says, “Tell me who your friends are and I’ll tell you who you are.” On the most basic level, our peers, colleagues, friends and family directly influence who we are as a person. We are who we hang out with.

I’ve discovered that if you hang around with happy people, that happiness rubs off and you smile a little brighter. On the flip side, if you hang around with people who are negative, then the grumbles rub off and your natural light dims. Let’s face it: nobody likes a party pooper except Negative Nancy and Debbie Downer.

Don’t we want to be happy, positive people who inspire others to be happy, positive people too?! Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we approached everyone, even those who hurt us, with love?

In their most honest form, relationships are reciprocal, symbiotic, well-intentioned, and full of love and light. When we are around people who are good, they strive to push us to become better. When we are around people who are positive, we feel the infectious nature of their energy. Light produces light. Love fosters love. Kindness inspires kindness.

So, what happens if we realize that some of the people we're surrounding ourselves with aren’t all that great for us? Sometimes, it’s best to softly cut ties, to ensure that who we are and our personal values do not become jeopardized. After all, we only have one life to live, and we owe ourselves the self-love to walk away from that which no longer serves us. We can still send them love and light, from a healthy distance, while we move forward to better days.

It’s about letting go of those who consistently make you feel bad, anxious or drained.

Relationships are everything—a direct correlation to our present and future happiness. The people we choose to do life with either reinforce our self-worth or chip away at it.

We all need the energy and emotional well-being to show up for ourselves and others. It’s a circle. Let’s choose to be love, cultivate good and surround ourselves with positive people.

About KateKate Keyt is an Arizona based lifestyle photographer and blogger. She has a passion for light and capturing the joy in others. Learn more at katenellephotography.com.

I had the chance to catch up recently with Darleen Santore. Darleen is one of my very best friends and also happens to be a gifted Life Coach. Together, we talked about the importance of having a strong inner circle, and shared a few takeaways for creating lasting friendships that you can put into practice right now.

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I had the chance to catch up recently with Darleen Santore. Darleen is one of my very best friends and also happens to be a gifted Life Coach (pretty sure I hit the friendship jackpot with her!).

We sat down together for Episode One of her new series, Car Confessions, which fittingly takes place (you guessed it!) in her car. We both lead pretty busy lives but we've also managed to maintain a close friendship in spite of our jam-packed schedules.

Together, we talked about the importance of having a strong inner circle, and shared a few takeaways for creating lasting friendships that you can put into practice right now. Watch the first episode of Car Confessions below:

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/5-ways-to-be-a-good-friend2018-01-23T13:52:00-07:002018-01-25T16:43:57-07:005 Ways to Be a Good FriendJessica ReinhartStrong friendships are cultivated over time. Bonds become stronger by sharing experiences, making memories and simply being. For most, “how” to do this can seem a bit elusive.

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As a child, I remember fantasizing about the things I would do when I became an adult. The list included things like staying up past midnight and nibbling on whatever candy I wanted, whenever I wanted. Free reign to do whatever I want? Yes, please!

Now that I’ve made it to the big leagues of adulthood, I’ve learned just how “off” my perspective was. No, I don’t nibble on candy endlessly (although I've definitely been known to raid my children’s stash from time to time!). And, while I’d like to say I’m a night owl, the reality is that I can usually be found in bed by 9:30 . . . my childhood self would be so disappointed.

As it turns out, there is one thing I had right as a kid: as adults, we can do whatever we want, whenever we want. Let that sink in for a minute. Sure, most of us need to work and we all have responsibilities, but at the end of the day we get to choose which activities we participate in and what things we place importance on. We get to decide how we prioritize our lives.

This begs the question: what things are at the heart of a good life? Depending on who you ask, you might get slightly different answers -- but most of us would probably agree that having a solid circle of friends is a key ingredient.

Kids make finding friends look easy. If you’ve never done it, take some time one day to sit at a neighborhood playground and watch how they interact with one another. Those situations usually go something like this: child arrives at the playground and doesn’t know anyone. Then, within minutes, they’re making sand castles together, playing tag and calling each other besties. The funny thing is, all of us used to belong to this special club, but some of us have become a little rusty in the age-old art of making new friends as we've gotten older.

Strong friendships happen over time. Bonds become stronger by sharing experiences, making memories and by just being. For some, “how” to do this can seem a bit elusive, but it doesn't need to be! Here are 5 things you can do to strengthen your friendships:

Invest the time. Look for ways to spend more time with people you want to do life with. Set up regularly scheduled time to get together, whether it’s a weekly coffee meetup, a monthly dinner date or a regularly scheduled yoga class. No matter what you choose to do, always be on the lookout for opportunities to spend quality time together.

Celebrate one another. There’s a reason kids look forward to birthday parties . . . it’s time spent surrounded by some of the most important people in our life. The same applies to adults! Birthdays are a great excuse to gather together and a perfect way to remind friends that they are loved beyond measure. Take the time to celebrate your friends and remind them how special they truly are.

Be a helper.The best friends in life are the ones you can count on. Next time yours need a helping hand, be there to lend yours. Maybe they need help with a move, watching their children for an afternoon, or house sitting while they’re out of town. No matter what the ask, be someone who's always on the lookout for ways to help out.

Show up. We all have ups and downs in life, and good friends are the ones who show up in those moments. Ask how you can be a friend to them during their difficult time. Consider bringing a meal, showing up with a bouquet of flowers, running errands, or shuffling kids around. Ask how you can pray for them, and be there to lend a listening ear. Small acts of kindness can be a welcome ray of light during otherwise dark times.

Stay in touch. If distance separates you from some of your dearest friends, look for ways to keep your close bond. Regular phone calls, FaceTime sessions, text messages and even thoughtful cards are all great ways to stay close across the miles.

Above all else, remember this: strong friendships matter. If you play your cards right, your friends can be a source of joy, of encouragement, of advice, and of inspiration. They are your biggest cheerleaders, your voice of reason, and your shoulder to cry on when the going gets tough. They are the ones who will inspire you to be better and do better.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/cookbooks-entertaining2018-01-15T16:15:00-07:002018-02-12T09:14:44-07:00Go-To Cookbooks for EntertainingJessica ReinhartWhen it comes to entertaining for the holidays, there’s one thing that I always want to put my best foot forward with: the food. Over the years I’ve collected a treasure trove of cookbooks. Here is a roundup of my time-tested favorites . . .

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When it comes to entertaining for the holidays, there’s one thing that I always want to put my best foot forward with: the food. Over the years I’ve collected a treasure trove of cookbooks—some that I go back to regularly and others that, well, just aren’t worth their salt.

Below is a roundup of time-tested favorites that I couldn’t live without:

Joy of Cooking by Irma Rombauer. Originally printed in 1931, this timeless cookbook is a treasure to countless cooks. It’s known as one of the greatest teaching cookbooks ever written because it breaks down cooking techniques in a way that’s easy to understand, and it’s filled to the brim with recipes for both everyday meals and entertaining a crowd. It’s a staple, and a great cookbook to start out with if you're starting to build your collection.

Barefoot Contessa Family Style: Easy Ideas and Recipes That Make Everyone Feel Like Family by Ina Garten. First off, let me start by saying that I’ve never met a Barefoot Contessa cookbook that I didn’t like. In fact, when I think of soul food, her dishes are exactly what I think of. From appetizers to main courses, desserts to craft cocktails, each of her cookbooks is filled with recipes that are truly crowd-pleasers. Barefoot Contessa Family Style focuses on recipes that are perfect for feeding a large group. It’s always the first cookbook I look to when I’m planning a big meal served around a shared table.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks: A Year of Holidays: 140 Step-by-Step Recipes for Simple, Scrumptious Celebrations by Ree Drummond. Now here’s the thing: if you’re counting calories or trying to stay health conscious, then you’ll want to skim right past this recommendation. However, if you’re like me and tend to throw caution to the wind when it comes to food around the holidays, then do yourself a favor and add this cookbook to your arsenal. Inside, you’ll find a special section for each holiday, breaking down Ree’s favorite recipes. It’s timeless, delicious and you’ll want to wear stretchy pants if you end up making any of the recipes. You’re welcome.

Lauren Conrad Celebrate. You may know Lauren Conrad as a style maven or, if you’re like me, you might even remember her as LC on MTV’s reality show The Hills. Little LC is all grown up and she just happens to have the golden touch when it comes to entertaining. I love this book because it’s brimming with inspiration for more elaborate celebrations.

I hope you enjoyed learning about my favorite cookbooks for entertaining! I’m always looking for new additions to add to my collection. What others do you recommend?

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/5-tips-for-making-friends-after-a-move2018-01-10T14:42:00-07:002018-07-25T14:16:54-07:00Making Friends After a MoveAmy WeirAfter all of your boxes have been opened and most of the items have found their way to new spots in your home, you come to the realization that—we just moved and I have no local friends and no community to really share life with. And that can be a very daunting item to add to your "New move to-do list."

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My family just recently made a huge move across the country, from the green of the Midwest to the high deserts of the Southwest. After all of your boxes have been opened and most of the items have found their way to new spots in your home, you come to the realization that—we just moved and I have no local friends and no community to really share life with. And that can be a very daunting item to add to your "New move to-do list."

Today, I am sharing 5 tips for making friends after a move. My hope is that these ideas will make it easier to develop lasting friendships in your new zip.

You be you.Take advantage of having more time on your hands with a lighter social calendar and get involved in activities that make you happy. If you are doing something that you really enjoy and love, then it is in those places that you are more likely to find people who you want to be in your tribe. From local art classes to volunteering at a favorite charity or animal shelter, surrounding yourself with activities that you feel passionate about will increase the likelihood of finding friends with those same passions.

Become a temporary 'Yes person.'It is so easy to move somewhere new and just want to stay home every night. Moving is an exhaustive and daunting task, but if you never put yourself out there, you will never make new connections. You need to be intentional about making friends. When someone makes the effort to include or invite you to something, for the first six months you should try to say yes (within reason) to all of them. At first, the invites are just welcome breaks from quiet nights in your new home, but eventually they can turn into real friends. And you will never know if they could be friends, if you don't put forth the effort.

When you find that friend, be sure to cultivate.At some point, there will be someone who you feel a close connection with, hooray! Now it's time to nurture the friendship. Mention you'd love to meet for coffee or are excited to see them at "x" activity again. You can connect with them on social media, but be sure to try to connect in person as well. Friendships and community take time to grow, but they’re worth your investment in the long run!

Be confident.Most of us have had to start over with friends, whether due to moving or just seasons of life. So everyone has been the newbie or outsider at some point, walking into a new group of people all by themselves. Be sure you walk into those new situations with your head held high. If these people knew you, they would love you! They just haven’t had the chance yet.

Follow the golden rule. Knowing that everyone has been the "new friend" at some point will help you remember how it feels and recognize when someone goes out of their way to welcome you. Make sure that you do the same to others! Be an includer. If you see someone who looks like they may be new around town, welcome them. Be someone who others would want to know and introduce around town!

Community takes time to grow but, if you are persistent about these 5 tips, you will find your people. You’ll connect with friends that make a city so much more than just a city—they make it a home.

Hello, I'm Amy. I am the creator behind Delineate Your Dwelling, a creative craft + lifestyle blog. I believe anyone can be creative, sometimes you just need a little inspiration, a good tutorial and a small push in the right direction!

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/kind-ways-to-support-friends2017-12-19T13:01:00-07:002018-07-25T14:18:54-07:004 Ways To Be A Supportive FriendSara SimmonsIt may seem difficult to know what to say or do for friends who are hurting. Perhaps they experienced a loss, are managing a difficult health condition or find themselves separated from family. No matter what the hurt, being a supportive friend is easier than you might imagine . . .

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It may seem difficult to know what to say or do for friends who are hurting. Perhaps they experienced a loss, are managing a difficult health condition or find themselves separated from family. No matter what the hurt, being a supportive friend is easier than you might imagine.

#1 Think friending over fixing. What they are facing and how they are coping is their unique journey. Honor it. Not every situation calls for an emotional bandaid or a pint of Ben & Jerry's. Take a deep breath and take the pressure off yourself to "make it all better." If you can accomplish this first step, you are already a step ahead.

#2 Ask before you act. The easiest place to begin is to ask what they need. Be genuine, be patient and be open, keeping in mind that hurt people often feel foggy, overwhelmed or uncertain. So, don't be surprised if they don't know exactly what they need. That's ok, asking shows you care and that you remain ready to help in any way.

#3 Choose simple gestures. Over my years of grief facilitation, I have heard all the verses, uplifting cards and "you'll bounce back" slogans. Hallmark is nice but is no substitute for a warm meal arriving at your doorstep, quiet hugs during tough times, heartfelt texts, offering childcare or simply listening. The key is to show up through little acts of kindness.

#4 Be understanding. Whether it's a holiday gathering or a yoga class you attend together, not every day will be easy or "on track" for your friend. Be flexible about changes, continue offering up invitations to connect, and understand that everyone needs a certain amount of time and space. Of course, be sure to check in gently to show that you want their company, are interested in their well-being and remain supportive.

No matter what approach you take, do it with a kind heart. Believe me, it's the extra long hugs and thoughtful gestures that matter most. Show up, hold space and be you.

If you are in need of supportive tips yourself, please read Sara's article Hope for the Holidays on her blog, The World Needs Hope.

About Sara

Sara Simmons is an author, mentor and grief facilitator dedicated to awakening the world to the inspiring presence and healing power of hope. Learn more at theworldneedshope.com.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/what-we-re-pinnin-christmas-entertaining2017-12-19T12:23:00-07:002017-12-19T14:15:49-07:00What We’re Pinnin for ChristmasJessica ReinhartWe’re gearing up for all things holiday entertaining over here, and to help us prepare we’ve been pinning all the best tips and tricks over on Pinterest.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/best-christmas-playlist2017-12-09T12:22:00-07:002018-07-25T14:20:09-07:00Best Christmas PlaylistKate KeytMore]]>
Anyone else have Christmas music playing on repeat?

We can’t get enough of all the great songs that this holiday has become synonymous with, so we pulled together a playlist filled with all the classic Christmas songs you know and love. It’s a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

Whether you’re hanging with your family tree-side or throwing a Christmas party or, we’ve got you covered. Check out our favorites on The Best Christmas Playlist on Spotify:

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/how-to-create-the-perfect-gift-basket2017-12-08T14:05:00-07:002017-12-19T14:17:09-07:00How To Create A Great Gift BasketJessica ReinhartIf there’s one present I LOVE to give (and get!), it’s a good gift basket. They’re easy to assemble, can be modified to fit any budget, and have a real “wow” factor that recipients always love. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for pulling these together that make them easy to create and super fun to give . . .

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If there’s one present I LOVE to give (and get!), it’s a good gift basket. They’re easy to assemble, can be modified to fit any budget and have a real “wow” factor that recipients always love. Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for pulling these together—making them easy to create and super fun to give.

Designing a great gift basket might seem like an overwhelming task, but it doesn't need to be! In fact, once you get the hang of it it's pretty easy. Below is a list of tips for creating the perfect gift basket:

Select the Theme. The very first thing I do is create a theme for the gift basket. I start by considering what the recipient enjoys and try to get creative. A few thought starters include Movie Night, Family Board Game Night, Cooking, Pampering, Craft Cocktail Kit. The sky is the limit here, so have fun with it!

Choose Your Gifts. After selecting the theme, it’s time to start the fun part—choosing the gifts! Recently, I put together a gift basket filled with hosting essentials (photo above). It was for a fundraiser auction, so I really wanted to up the “wow” factor. I included a cutting board, Lumitory's Supper Club Gathering Box, a cocktail shaker, and a few items from Chip and Joanna Gaines new Hearth & Hand with Magnolia line at Target, including a dish towel, a candle and a set of brass napkin rings stamped with the word “Gather.”

Pick a Basket. Once you’ve selected which gifts to include, choose a basket (or box) that will fit your items. You’ll want to make sure everything nestles in nicely without being too squished or having a lot of extra space to shift around. For my hosting essentials gift basket, I chose a beautiful galvanized metal storage bin.

Line the Inside. I like to start by lining my basket with tissue or crinkle paper. This adds a pop of color and helps to fill in gaps, making it look nice and full. My go-to spot for finding crinkle paper in lots of different colors is Cost Plus World Market.

Arrange the Gifts. Start by layering in the largest items at the back and work your way forward with smaller gifts. Try to stagger them in such a way that you can easily see a little bit of each one. If smaller items are getting “lost” at the bottom, crumple tissue paper and place it underneath the item, so it’s lifted and nestled into place securely.

Add Finishing Touches. Once everything is arranged as you want it, add extra tissue or crinkle paper to fill in any gaps. I love to wrap my gift baskets inside clear cellophane basket bags (optional) because it pulls everything together and gives the recipient something to unwrap. Then, add a bow with gift tag, and you’re done!

I hope these tips help you pull together your next gift basket. Of course, I’m always on the lookout for new ideas, so leave a comment to let me know your favorite gift basket theme.

For convenience, below are photos and links to the specific items I mentioned (and love). Get creative and have fun with it!

SHOP THIS POST

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/our-favorite-fall-playlist2017-11-29T09:30:00-07:002017-11-30T15:14:18-07:00Our Favorite Gathering PlaylistKate KeytNothing gets a gathering going quite like an amazing playlist. That’s why we’ve assembled a collection of our favorite songs to help set the tone for your next get together . . .

Nothing gets a gathering going quite like an amazing playlist. That’s why we’ve assembled a collection of our favorite songs to help set the tone for your next get together.

Whether you’re spending time with family, connecting with friends or hanging with your neighbors, we created a free Spotify playlist that's filled with acoustic music that will get everyone in a warm and fuzzy mood. It's our special gift, just for you!

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/3-types-of-friends-we-all-need2017-11-22T10:24:00-07:002018-07-25T14:20:40-07:003 Types of Friends We All NeedBailey HurleyThe idea is to surround yourself with women who are different than you. You are who you hang out with, so make sure you are spending time with women you’d like toemulate . . .

My mom said this often when I was growing up. If I wanted to be a woman of influence, then I needed to find the friends who were living lives that I admired. Forget the ones who sought fleeting beauty and popularity. I needed to surround myself with kind, loyal and fun-loving girls.

Now as a wife, mother and career woman, I think it’s easier to define what type of friends I am looking to surround myself with. Do we have a similar life stage? Are they battling the same problems I am? Are they available and willing to put time into our friendship? But, I do think there are three type of friends every woman should have speaking into their decisions, their roles and their aspirations.

The Dreamer

This friend is a big thinker who won’t squash your ambitions. She’ll get more enthusiastic as you brainstorm your next endeavor with her. My favorite thing about this friend is that she lets you dream without limits, allowing yourself to really believe you can do anything.

Sometimes, when I’m on the brink of a good idea, I call up my dreamer friends and let their wisdom speak truth into my ideas.

The Challenger

Every gal needs a friend that takes her out of her comfort zone. This woman, sometimes with some nudging, takes you to new places and challenges you to try new things. You grow through these “out of the box” experiences.

I had two of these friends in college, who decided we needed to skinny-dip in the ocean. You need to know I never get in the Pacific Ocean. It’s FREEZING. Also, I am absolutely not going to get into freezing water naked. They dragged me all the way down to the beach, where they immediately stripped down to their birthday suits and ran in. I sat on the beach for a while just pondering how I ended up with such crazy friends, but thankful for the ways they challenged my comforts.

The Intellectual

This friend treats your thoughts like they matter. She gets to the root of the matter by asking the right questions and intentionally listens for your response. She typically reads from different sources to create a more well-rounded belief on a topic. You are a better citizen because she asks you to think about issues you may prefer to remain passive on.

Personally, this friend is harder for me to agree with because I am the opposite of an intellectual (give me the feelings). But, I need this! I need someone to expand my beliefs beyond my emotions. It’s important to have friends that grow and stretch your perspectives.

This list isn’t exhaustive. There are many “types” of women out there and lots of new friendships to be explored. The idea is to surround yourself with women who are different than you. You are who you hang out with, so make sure you are spending time with women you’d like to emulate.

Also, you probably are “that” friend to someone else. Whether you are the intellectual, the dreamer or have a different gift to share—your words and actions influence others. Remember to build up the community with your unique set of gifts.

Our communities are stronger because you are in it, dare to be someone’s _________.

About Bailey

Bailey T. Hurley is a community-builder, who encourages women to root themselves in their faith so they can grow fruitful fellowship. Learn more about Bailey at baileythurley.com.

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https://lumitory.com/blogs/lumitory-blog/our-manifesto2017-11-15T09:19:00-07:002017-11-30T15:14:42-07:00The Lumitory ManifestoJessica Reinhart
We believe that time spent with others is time well spent, that there is so much more that binds us together than separates us. We believe that stories, when shared, can become bridges that lead to compassion and connection . . .

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Recently, we read an issue of The Magnolia Journal. In true Joanna Gaines’ style, each page revealed a treasure of its own—all unique and completely relevant to our lives in this very moment—but there was one page that stood out above all the rest. As it so happened, it was the very last page of the magazine. There, the beliefs that guide their Journal were emblazoned for all to see, encapsulated in what they call The Magnolia Manifesto.

What we loved most was the way it cut through the noise that can sometimes consume our busy lives, and got straight to the heart of the core values and beliefs that guide their team. We found ourselves nodding in agreement, and walked away feeling an even deeper sense of connection to their brand and their work (who knew that was even possible?!).

Inspired by that experience, we recently took some time to reflect on the work we're doing and captured our own brand manifesto. Our hope is that by sharing this, you understand a bit more about us and what motivates us to do what we do.

// THE LUMITORY MANIFESTO //

We believe that time spent with others is time well spent, that there is so much more that binds us together than separates us. We believe that stories, when shared, can become bridges that lead to compassion and connection. We believe in the importance of extending love and grace to all we meet, and that simple gestures of kindness shared between strangers can result in an unending ripple effect of the very best kind. We believe that experiences are far more valuable than things and that spending quality time together is the very best way to spend our time. We believe that community and connection are at the heart of a good life. We believe in the importance of using our time and talents toward work that makes a positive impact, and that the work we do matters. We believe that our potential to do good is limitless and we aspire to prove that through all that we do.

This is the heart behind our work and the vision statement that drives us in all that we do. We want to be smack-dab in the middle of the conversation centered around bringing people together. Our vision is to do that by continually shining a light on unique ways to build bridges that lead to togetherness. Because no matter how deeply divided we believe we are, the basis for unity lies in one simple truth: we're all in this together. From here on out, our constant narrative will be one of love and the power of human connection.